Page 10 of 29
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:04 pm
by Bloodstalker
The Issue
A well-heeled lobby group is pushing for the elimination of regulations that prevent corporations from donating money to political parties.
The Debate
"This is supposed to be a democratic country," Retail industry spokesperson George W. Hanover says. "Yet these archaic laws say I can't donate money to support a political party. They put ceilings on the amount any party can spend on advertising. It's time to stop treating voters like children, and trust them to make up their own minds. Free the ballot box!"
[Accept]
"You say political freedom, I hear vote-buying," says popular anarchist Fleur Dodinas. "If these fat cats get their way, politicians will buy their own seat in Congress. And let's face it, a slick advertising campaign can convince a lot of apathetic voters. We need to tighten the laws, not repeal them. Money should have no place in politics!"
[Accept]
"Frankly, I don't see why we need to have elections at all," says your brother, Calvin Mistletoe, over a late-night malt whiskey. "You always seem to know what's best. Why not scrap the whole political system? It would make things so much simpler."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has yet to formalize a position on this issue.
What's a ruler to do?
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:07 pm
by RandomThug
Kill them all for thier ignorance.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:09 pm
by RandomThug
The Issue
While effusively praising Randomthugonia's leadership and bowing repeatedly, a delegation has humbly requested that the government take a more "modernistic" view in the future.
The Debate
The High Minister for Finance, who also happens to be your brother, dismisses the claim. "What these people fail to realize is that you know what's best for them. The alternative is anarchy! I say stick to your course. And execute these wackos for treason."
[Accept]
"Perhaps the people could be given some more political freedoms," muses your Chief of Staff, who is your sister. "Is there really such harm in allowing public discussion of ideas? We could even have a real Opposition Party. One that isn't just full of your puppets, I mean."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has yet to formalize a position on this issue.
If you wish, you may simply dismiss this issue.
So confused
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:21 pm
by Gwalchmai
The Republic of Gwaltopia Updated
"Sun, Sand, and Pot Sherds"
UN Category: Democratic Socialists
Civil Rights: Very Good (was just good)
Economy: Imploded (was developing)
Political Freedoms: Below Average (was excellent)
Location: SYM
The Republic of Gwaltopia is a small, environmentally stunning nation, (was tiny and safe) remarkable for its punitive income tax rates. Its compassionate (were also intelligent) population of 8 million (was 5 million) are fiercely patriotic and enjoy great social equality; they tend to view other, more capitalist countries as somewhat immoral and corrupt.
It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent (it was enormous), socially-minded government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Social Welfare, Education, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 73% (was 35%, then 75%, then 76%), and even higher for the wealthy. The private sector is almost wholly made up of enterprising fourteen-year-old boys selling lemonade on the sidewalk (no more woodchips), although the government is looking at stamping this out.
Elections have been outlawed, all industry is owned and run by the government, the latest Harry Potter book is a bestseller, and military funding has been stripped back. Crime is totally unknown (was ‘well under control’). Gwaltopia's national animal is the lazy bear, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the pot sherd.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:25 pm
by Gwalchmai
The Issue
A group of emergency room doctors has petitioned the government to introduce mandatory organ donations.
The Debate
1. "It's not as crazy as it sounds," says Dr. Pip Jefferson. "Every day, people die because we don't have the organs to save them. Well, that and widespread under-funding of the health system. But the point is, if the government allowed us to take organs from dead people, we could save hundreds of lives a year. And come on, it's not like dead people need them."
2. "You keep your damn hands off my organs!" says alarmed hospital patient Clint Broadside. "They are my organs, and I'll do with them what I like. The government has no right to my body."
This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:31 pm
by Scayde
*News Flash*
**NEWS FLASH**
Due to severe political unrest and the insecure economic position of Randomthugonia, the CEO of Bloodonya has suspended all shipments of steel, uranium, and beef to that country. This event is anticipated to result in the causal effect of collapse of their fast food industry, and defense industry. This would have the cascade effect of overtaxing their military, as martial law would be a necessity to control the hungry freedom fry junkies.
The CEO of Bloodonya further stated that shipments would resume upon the installment of a stable government. In the mean time, they are offering humanitarian aid in the form of Tyrant Cheese, which Bloodonya will be brokering form the Tyrant of Weasel specifically for that purpose.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:35 pm
by Weasel
Originally posted by RandomThug
The Issue
While effusively praising Randomthugonia's leadership and bowing repeatedly, a delegation has humbly requested that the government take a more "modernistic" view in the future.
The Debate
The High Minister for Finance, who also happens to be your brother, dismisses the claim. "What these people fail to realize is that you know what's best for them. The alternative is anarchy! I say stick to your course. And execute these wackos for treason."
[Accept]
"Perhaps the people could be given some more political freedoms," muses your Chief of Staff, who is your sister. "Is there really such harm in allowing public discussion of ideas? We could even have a real Opposition Party. One that isn't just full of your puppets, I mean."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has yet to formalize a position on this issue.
If you wish, you may simply dismiss this issue.
So confused
I would think
...The Tyrant Weasel nation sends its warmest regards for the Thug's late sister. My her memory live on to show the world what ones mistake leads too.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:45 pm
by Scayde
Re: We have arrived...
Originally posted by Maharlika
...the kenders have finally put their act together and voted me as the Grand High Maharlika.
...it's not like they'd care anyway.
The CEO of Bloodonya sends her warmest regards and welcomes the Grand High Marlika.
We look forward to a lucrative relationship with your country
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:48 pm
by Scayde
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:00 pm
by Mr Flibble
Time to join the rest of the world...
The Republic of Flibblon
"Keep off the grass."
UN Category: New York Times Democracy
Civil Rights: Average Economy: Strong Political Freedoms: Superb
Location: the Pacific
The Republic of Flibblon is a tiny, pleasant nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, intelligent population of 5 million enjoy a sensible mix of personal and economic freedoms, while the political process is open and the people's right to vote held sacrosanct.
The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Healthcare, and Social Welfare. The average income tax rate is 16%. A substantial private sector is led by the Gambling industry, followed by Trout Farming and Uranium Mining.
Crime is moderate. Flibblon's national animal is the moose and its currency is the credit.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:05 pm
by Gwalchmai
Mr Fibble! You should move your country to SYM! So far there are 26 countries in SYM....
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:08 pm
by KidD01
Here come the Hawks !
The Holy Empire of Stealth Hawks
"Trust me, you don't want to mess with me !"
Ruled by : Esteem Stealthiness Saint KidD01
UN Category: Moralistic Democracy
Civil Rights: Some Economy: Very Strong Political Freedoms: Excellent
Location: SYM
The Holy Empire of Stealth Hawks is a tiny, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, intelligent population of 5 million are highly moralistic and fiercely conservative, in the sense that they tend to believe most things should be outlawed. People who have good jobs and work quietly at them are lauded; others are viewed with suspicion.
The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Education, and Healthcare. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 14%. A large private sector is led by the Beef-Based Agriculture industry, followed by Information Technology and Automobile Manufacturing.
Crime -- especially youth-related -- is relatively low, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Stealth Hawks's national animal is the black dragon, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the shurikens.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:12 pm
by Scayde
The Free Republic of Bloodonya formally recognizes, and embraces The Republic of Flibblon. We look forward to a very profitable relationship
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:17 pm
by Mr Flibble
Originally posted by Gwalchmai
Mr Fibble! You should move your country to SYM! So far there are 26 countries in SYM....
Done.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:19 pm
by Mr Flibble
Originally posted by Scayde
The Free Republic of Bloodonya formally recognizes, and embraces The Republic of Flibblon. We look forward to a very profitable relationship
The Republic of Flibblon greets the representive of the Free Republic of Bloodonya warmly and looks forward to future trade and political relations.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:21 pm
by Scayde
The Free Republic of Bloodonya extends formal greetings to The Holy Empire of Stealth Hawks. May our peoples enjoy many lucrative endeavors together.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 5:58 pm
by Gwalchmai
The Gwaltopian Times
dateline: Waning Moon, third day of the Year of Our Grand Hierophant Gwally
Serendipity Blesses Our Lovely Island!
Happenstance and the Lady of Good Fortune have smiled upon our fair nation! In a move erroneously questioned by some, the Grand Hierophant donated large quantities of our recently acquired Tyrant Cheese to the retirement communities of the land. The little-old blue-haired ladies chose to crumble the cheese into their bird feeders due to the fact that Tyrant Cheese and dentures just don’t mix. Well, what do you suppose happened? That’s right! You probably noticed the influx of huge flocks of Macaws coming to our island from the general direction of Tropicalis! These brightly colored birds have made the elderly population of Gwaltopia very happy. The birds have also befriended the lazy bears, who quite enjoy watching the funny antics of those talkative birds!
The Grand Hierophant has found an excellent way to capitalize on the added color on the island and has commissioned the printing of several travel brochures that depict young, fit, Gwaltopians frolicking on the beaches and in the ancient monuments among the bright birds and happy bears. The slogan reads “Come to Gwaltopia: Sun, Sand, Beautiful People, Beautiful Birds, Happy Bears.” We expect a huge economic stimulus from the increase in tourism this is sure to bring us.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 6:02 pm
by der Moench
Be it duly noted that ...
The Braumeister would suggest a program of observation and verification to the HoodooVoodoo Guru of Voodoodialiania: the goat shall be returned to the Tyrant Weasel, but kept under strict observation at all times. The observation could be carried out by unaligned third parties within SYM, on a rotational basis. Third party observational forces would, of course, not be responsible in any way for the care, hygiene, or health of the goat, except to ensure that no naughty things take place vis-a-vis the Tyrant Weasel.
Peace. =)
The High Tyrant Weasel has accepted this proposal, and awaits the response of the HoodooVoodoo of VoodooDaliania.
Peace.
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 6:03 pm
by RandomThug
Leaked randomthugonia military documents -
"The influx of disease carrying macaw's realeased from our Biological Terror troops currently stationed illegally within Tropocolis.... Is a success."
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 6:08 pm
by der Moench
Yet another bothersome dispute to settle ...
Workers across the nation have gone out on indefinite strike over what they claim are substandard wages in the Arms Manufacturing industry.
"We are the backbone of this country, and we demand a fair wage rise!" says union leader Billy-Bob Dredd. "I don't think a 20% increase over two years is too much to ask. Unless the government forces employers to give us our due, we'll shut this whole industry down! Let's see how well Moenchland's economy manages without any Arms Manufacturing, huh?
"We pay our employees very generous wages," says employer representative Charles Christmas. "Especially when you consider that without us, they'd be OUT ON THE STREET. Hear that, you scumbags? OUT ON THE STREET! Anyway, my point is, if you cave in, you make our entire industry uncompetitive. You can't do that in the global marketplace. It'll hurt the whole country. The best solution, economically speaking, would be to relax industrial laws and allow us to fire troublemakers on the spot."
The Braumeister has sent Billy-Bob Dredd and Charles Christmas off with a keg of his finest, to settle their differences, and dismissed the case from governmental jurisdiction.
Peace.